By: Jeff Evans, Assistant AD for Athletic Communications
BELLINGHAM, Wash. – Western Washington University senior forward
Olivia Hodges was rewarded for her historic week on the hardwood earning the GNAC Women's Basketball Player of the Week award.
Hodges, a senior transfer from Cal State LA and Pasadena native, returned home to Southern California putting together a pair of dominating performances to help led the Vikings to a pair of West Region victories at the GNAC/PacWest Challenge in Irvine.
In two games, Hodges recorded a pair of double-doubles, averaging 25.0 points and 16.5 rebounds per game, while shooting 75.0-percent from the field (18-for-24).
In Friday's 86-57 win over CUI, Hodges was 4-for-4 from the field and 5-for-7 from the free throw line to score 13 points, while grabbing 16 rebounds. In Saturday's 82-65 win over Azusa Pacific, she recorded one of the biggest double-doubles in program history with 37 points and 17 rebounds. The 37 points are tied for 3rd-most in a game in WWU program history and the 17 rebounds rank in the single-game top 10.
The 37-point, 17-rebound double-double rivaled two big games by WWU Hall of Famer Gina Sampson in 1995, who put together a 42-point, 18-rebound performance against Western Oregon and a 33-point, 25-rebound double-double against Puget Sound.
In seven games this season, Hodges has recorded five double-doubles to lead NCAA Division II while averaging 16.6 points and 12.0 rebounds per game. She ranks 2nd in the GNAC in rebounding and her 84 total rebounds lead the nation.
"Olivia had just an amazing weekend for us. She was relentless on the boards and her moves to the basket were so strong and deliberate," said WWU head coach
Carmen Dolfo. "She continues to take steps in her game every weekend because she works so hard. She is a great player but also just a great teammate."
The Vikings (5-2) make their home debut in Carver Gym this weekend hosting the Lynda Goodrich Classic games Friday and Saturday at noon and 2:30 pm on WECU Court. WWU opens the tournament on Friday facing the University of Mary and completes play on Saturday vs. San Francisco State, with both games featuring a 2:30 pm tip-off.
